Full Circle Moments

In the past few months, I stood on three very familiar grounds, but this time, not as a student. I performed a comedy show at my childhood school, Collège Notre-Dame de Jamhour. I gave a talk at my alma mater, IE Business School, and performed at USJ fundraising event,also my alma mater, in Canada.

These were the places that once molded me, challenged me, and at times, even confused me.

I didn’t always fit in. I often questioned the system, the expectations, and the definitions of success I was taught. Some lessons didn’t sit well with me. Some values I had to unlearn. Some beliefs I had to rebuild on my own terms.

When I returned to those spaces as a comedian, a speaker, a trainer, and maybe a version of myself that’s a little more me, I realized that I didn’t have to fully agree with everything I learned in order to be shaped by it, and I didn’t have to belong fully to be impacted deeply.

Standing in these rooms today, I’m grateful. I feel a sense pride. And I feel that maybe I did okay after all.

To all the institutions that gave me something to rebel against : Thank you.

And To all those who invited me back: Also thank you.

Here’s to growth, gratitude, and not always following the lesson plan.